Purchasing Manager - Ingredients

Established Search; Cambridge; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly growing privately-owned company in the food ingredients sector is seeking a hands-on Purchasing Manager. This role involves managing a diverse product portfolio, sourcing ingredients, and ensuring timely order fulfillment. Candidates should have 3-5 years of relevant experience and be ready to negotiate and analyze effectively without corporate restraints.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of buying experience in food ingredients, supplements, or CPG.
• Ability to negotiate effectively.
• Strong analytical skills and not afraid to make calls.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate costs and delivery terms with suppliers.
• Manage purchase orders and chase shipments.
• Ensure tight inventory management.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

SCMP/CPP certification

Supply chain degree/diploma

Job description

Purchasing Manager (Specialty Ingredients)

The Company

I’m hiring for a privately-owned player in the food ingredients space that supplies innovators in food manufacturing, sports nutrition, and R&D. They deal in everything from staple ingredients to niche categories like alternative proteins and functional blends.

The Role

Need a hands-on Purchaser to manage a product portfolio, source ingredients, and help push into new markets. You’ll be the point person for suppliers, inventory, and making sure orders land on time.

What You’ll Actually Do

• Hunt down suppliers, negotiate costs/delivery terms, and lock in contracts.
• Own purchase orders from start to finish – including chasing shipments when things go sideways.
• Vet suppliers (quality, safety, reliability) and drop the ones that don’t perform.
• Keep inventory tight and turns high. No dead stock.
• Fix supply chain fires with QC/Logistics/Finance.
• Cover for the team when they’re out.

We Need Someone Who

• Has 3-5 years buying experience (food ingredients, supplements, or CPG preferred).
• Can read a market, negotiate hard, and crunch numbers.
• Doesn’t wait for emails – you pick up the phone when things stall.
• Bonus if you’ve got SCMP/CPP or a supply chain degree/diploma.

Why Bother?

• Autonomy to call the shots on your categories.
• Grow with a company that’s scaling quietly but fast.
• No corporate red tape.

*Please note, I anticipate a high number of applicants to this position. If you do not meet the above criteria, and have not heard from me within 14 days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful*